My Neighbor's Dog Bit Me! What Should I Do?

Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. || 12-May-2016

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, it can lead to hospitalization,
loss of work, missed school, and mental stress. Owners have a responsibility
to restrain their pets and may be held liable in the event that their
animal should cause harm to another person. If an attack does occur, it
is crucial to understand your rights so that you do not pay the price
for someone else’s negligence. Here is what you should know if you
or a loved one has been bitten by a dog.

1.Strict Liability

In Maryland, a dog owner may be responsible for damage or injuries caused
by their pet, even if they took reasonable care to control their animal.
This is known as strict liability and is not just limited to dog bites,
but also other injuries that are caused by the behavior of a dog. For
example, if a large dog jumps into you, knocking you over and injuring
your back, the owner may be liable. Even if the dog has never acted violently
or aggressively in the past, you may still have a case under strict liability.

2.Claims of Negligence

Victims of animal attacks can also seek compensation from pet owners on
grounds of negligence. This occurs when an owner has reason to believe
a dog may be a danger but does not make a reasonable attempt restrain
them. For example, if an owner does not obey a local leash law and you
are injured as a result, the owner may have been negligent.

3.“Dangerous” Dogs

If an animal has a history of aggression and has previously caused serious
injury without provocation, they may be legally classified as “dangerous.”
Additional measures must be taken for dogs who fall under this classification
such as being muzzled when outside of the home. Owners who disobey this
ordinance can face claims of negligence as well as criminal charges.

4.Claims for Past Injuries

If you have experienced an attack in the past, there may still be time
to act. In Maryland, the personal injury statute of limitations allows
you to file an injury claim three years from the date of an incident.
It is important to act quickly since missing a deadline can cause you
to forfeit your claim to compensation. If you are not sure whether an
injury falls within this timeline, call a lawyer at our firm to discuss
your options.

5.Collect Evidence for Your Case If you are considering filing a dog bite claim, it is likely that the
owner of the dog will claim contributory negligence. That is to say that
you, as the victim, were at least partially responsible for the attack
and your resulting injuries. In Maryland, if are found to share any responsibility
for an attack it may invalidate your claim to any monetary compensation.
It is critical that if you experience an attack, you take care to document
and record any evidence for your case.

Call an Attorney and Discover Your Options.

If you have been bitten by a dog, it is imperative to seek legal counsel
immediately. I, Salisbury Personal Injury Attorney William R. Hall, have
more than 18 years of experience with personal injury cases and can help
you evaluate your legal options.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.